2023 Peak Bloom
The NPS judged that the Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin reached peak bloom on March 23, 2023. They're now done for the year..
Just as the NPS said, the cherry blossoms are racing through their development thanks to the unseasonably warm weather we've had. Even in the two days since the last update there's been a lot of development in the buds.
The indicator tree isn't blooming yet, but it's not far away from popping (see photos below). And the tulip magnolias and some other flowering trees are out. If you're looking to take photos, head over to the George Mason Memorial. There's a particularly good cluster of them there.
And a reminder that the Maine Ave parking lot will be closed to parking tomorrow (March 14) through April 7 for the tents for the cherry blossom festival.
Photos Taken This Morning
As usual, I've included close-ups from several different trees. It serves as a good illustration of how not all the trees are on precisely the same schedule.
Indicator Tree
The indicator tree isn't flower yet, but it's close to popping, with the white petals starting to become clearly visible. Typically, this single tree flowers a week or so ahead of the others. You can find out more about it here.
Tulip Magnolias
The tulip magnolias are out all over town. You can find a particularly good cluster of them by the George Mason Memorial, which is where these were taken.
